Kevin Love is back in uniform for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and point guard Ricky Rubio could soon follow.

Rubio, out since last March because of a left ACL tear, recently visited his surgeon in Vail, Colo., with the hope that he would be cleared to practice as soon as Wednesday, according to the (Minneapolis) Star Tribune. Despite Rubio's optimism, Wolves general manager David Kahn remains cautious about placing a timetable on Rubio’s return.

The electric point guard has taken strides toward reaching full health. He has increased the intensity of his workouts, has started doing drills and has been shooting prior to games.

The Timberwolves admirably stayed above water without their best two players, getting off to a 5-2 start, but with injuries taking down Chase Budinger and Brandon Roy, Minnesota has lost five straight.

While Rubio is known for his energy and flashy offensive game, the Timberwolves are hoping he’ll make a splash on defense. Guards put up big numbers against the Wolves over the weekend. The Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors went into Minnesota and came out with wins because of their backcourts.

"When he was healthy last year, he was very good (at) keeping the people in front of him," Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman said of Rubio, according to the Star Tribune. "He was able to control the guard he was guarding and not let him get around him. He was in the Top 5 in steals. He was always in the right spot defensively as a team defender, too. He'll help us.”